and was "the disciple whom Jesus loved".

Why does St John have an Eagle?

The eagle is the symbol of John the Evangelist.

As St John wrote his gospel, and the Book of Revelations, it is clear that his understanding and mastery of the word of God and the will of God is compared with the ability of the eagle to stare straight into the sun.

The eagle is also seen as the creature that dwells (or lives) closest to heaven.

St John's Life - in the Bible

Both Peter and John were sent to prepare for the final Passover meal and it is John who is pictured sitting next to Jesus during this 'Last Supper'.

John leans on Jesus which is a sign of their close friendship.

Remember John is the “disciple whom Jesus loved”.

Jesus told only St John that Judas Iscariot was going to betray him.

On the first 'Good Friday' John was by Jesus' side. Jesus said to Mary his mother, “He is your son.” Then he said to John, “She is your mother.”

From this day onwards - John then kept a place in his home for Mary.

John was the first disciple who went to tomb to see Jesus and was the first to believe that Jesus was truly risen.

 

 

St John's mission - Inspired by Christ to build the Church

After Jesus mother Mary was taken up into heaven (the Assumption), and despite his old age, John travelled with Saint Peter to spread Christianity, to build the Church, around Asia Minor. John wrote his gospel, and his Book of Revelations.

John was later arrested by the Roman Emperors, who tried to boil him in oil. John was miraculously protected by Jesus (in Heaven), and came out of oil without injuries.

It is traditionally believed that John was the youngest of the apostles and outlived them. John lived to an old age, dying of natural causes, at Ephesus sometime after AD 98.

St John’s life and teachings are encapsulated into our school mission statement.

Excellence for All: always try to be the best person you can be in everything that you do.

Inspired by Christ: As St John followed what Jesus asked him to do, so we should follow the key messages of the gospel readings.

Service to Others: As a disciple John served others, and led to build the Church, so should we seek to help and lead others –especially the poor and vulnerable.

St John’s feast day is the 27th December.

OTHER FEAST DAYS FOR ST JOHN

Some Catholics celebrate two feast days for St John because he was an apostle and an evangelist. These are two significant vocations.

The feast day of St. John the Apostle is celebrated on May 8, while the feast day of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated on September 26.

St John is the patron saint of:

God our Father,                                                       

You have revealed to us, Your Word through St. John the beloved disciple.

We thank you LORD for our school community.

You have formed our diversity into one family that is Inspired by Christ.

At St. John’s School, we seek to journey together,

Help us today to achieve our mission of Excellence and Service to Others.

We ask you LORD to increase our knowledge and understanding today.

May we become the people you have called us to be.

Keep us growing every day in kindness and in respect for one another.

We ask for your guidance so that we may do our best, and embrace all opportunities that you grant us today.

St. John the Evangelist, Pray for us.

 Amen

Saint Ambrose	Saint Patrick	Saint Clare of Assisi

 

Ambrose was born into a Roman Christian family and grew up in Milan.

Legend has it that when Ambrose was an infant, a swarm of bees settled in his mouth and left behind a drop of honey. His father considered this to be a sign of his future, that Ambrose would become someone great, with a wonderful sense for speaking.

When Ambrose grew up, he was serving as a governor when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374AD because of how popular he was. Ambrose was a teacher. And his teaching was so full of love and sweet words - he helped convert many people including Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Ambrose is the patron saint of bees, beekeepers, learners and candle makers.

Saint Ambrose's feast day is 7th December.

O Lord, who hast mercy upon all,
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me
the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore Thee,
a heart to delight in Thee,
to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ's sake, Amen

Saint Patrick was born in England in the early 400s, but when he was 16, he was captured by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland as a slave. Patrick prayed to God and deepened his faith. Patrick heard God telling him that he would be able to go home. After six years,  Patrick escaped slavery, and returned to England and his family, where he studied to become a priest.

After having a vision, Patrick travelled back to Ireland as a missionary  priest so that he could teach the people about God. He used examples to explain the mysteries of the faith in simple ways. One day, Saint Patrick compared the Holy Trinity to a shamrock. He said that the shamrock has three leaves, but it is only one plant. In the same way, God is three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but one God.

God used Saint Patrick’s kidnapping to convert the Irish people. In our lives, God uses the bad times to bring about a good we do not always see. We must be patient and trust Him.

Saint Patrick’s feast day is 17th March. Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland.

Be my guide Lord, everyday

Give me strength, come what may

Lord be in the hearts that love me

Help me through, when lost and lonely

Help me be- the person I am

And to do the best I can

Help me love, the way you do

So that I may love you too.

Amen.

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in 1194 in Italy. She grew up in a noble family, but she felt called to live a simple and holy life. Clare met, and was deeply inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, who preached about living in poverty and following Christ. Clare wanted to follow this same path.

At 18 years old, Clare of Assisi left her family home to join Francis. She gave up her wealth and dedicated herself to God. She started a new religious order called the Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. These women lived in prayer and served others, depending completely on God.

Clare became the leader of her community. She was known for her deep faith, her love of poverty, and her care for the sisters who lived with her. She spent her life praying and helping others, always trusting in God’s care.

After her death in 1253, Clare was declared a saint by the Church. Her life is an example of faith, humility, and total trust in God. Today, she is honoured as the patron saint of television, as well as for her dedication to a life of poverty and prayer.

Saint Clare’s feast day is 11th August.

May Almighty God Bless you
May He look upon you with the eyes
of His Mercy and give you His peace.
Here below may He pour forth
His graces on you abundantly
and in heaven may He place you
among His saints.